From The Economic Times · Joel Rebello · · 1m 40s
HSBC taps $14.5B in foreign deposits to fuel India expansion
HSBC mobilised the second-largest haul under India's RBI swap scheme, positioning itself to grow wealth and retail banking.
In brief
HSBC mobilised the second-largest haul under India's RBI swap scheme, positioning itself to grow wealth and retail banking. HSBC's $14.5 billion in FCNR deposits gives it fresh capital to expand wealth management and retail banking in India, with leverage options and attractive mortgage rates driving client…
HSBC's $14.5B deposit windfall
HSBC mobilised $14.5 billion in foreign currency non-resident deposits under the RBI's special swap facility, second only to ICICI Bank's $17.88 billion haul.
Leverage sweetened the deal
HSBC offered depositors up to 19 times leverage on their money, allowing them to borrow 19 times what they deposited, with offerings ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million.
Global reach, Middle East led
Deposits came from over 30 markets, with the Middle East as the top contributor, followed by Singapore and Hong Kong, leveraging HSBC's global brand and NRI network.
Gift City gave HSBC an edge
HSBC's six-year operation in Gift City, Gujarat, where it financed $10.9 billion of the $52.8 billion loaned through the centre, gave it a competitive advantage with thousands of existing clients.
Attractive rates for clients
HSBC offered 5.5% interest on three to five-year deposits with lending rates at 5% to 5.15%, delivering yields of 10-14% for clients after leverage, plus a 7.5% three-year fixed mortgage.
Wealth and retail expansion plan
One-third of new clients were credit appraised, creating a force multiplier for wealth management. HSBC plans 12 new branches and a retail broking business to offer a full product suite.
Conservative deployment strategy
HSBC will deploy the liquidity through corporate lending, mortgages, and government securities rather than aggressive lending, matching funding to assets.
The takeaway
HSBC's $14.5 billion in FCNR deposits gives it fresh capital to expand wealth management and retail banking in India, with leverage options and attractive mortgage rates driving client acquisition.